Hope all is well with each of you… all’s well here in Wimberley, Texas.  Still HOT, but it is summertime!  I read that most states are experiencing extreme highs, however my friends from Oregon report that theirs is one of the coldest summers on record!  So no matter where you live, let’s hope you are enjoying your summer daze!

My back was out of whack for more than a week and a half so please accept my apologies for the interruption to your service.  I tried to balance the laptop on my belly while lying flat on my back but that didn’t work too well.  So after that brief absence, let’s return to more Tall Tales along the Trails and catch up with the wagon train as it enters Nevada.   Are you ready? Then hop aboard and holler, “Wagons Ho!”

Twelve Years Ago… July 24-25, 1999, after spending our last night in Idaho, we head west from Goose Creek toward Little Goose Creek, Nevada, for a two day layover:

We leave Goose Creek at dawn, as sunlight reflects off a sandstone butte…

And travel through wide open spaces…

To the junction where the states of Idaho, Utah and Nevada meet…

And so we enter the state of Nevada…

To camp alongside Little Goose Creek.

During our layover, I camp as close to the creek as possible…

And the wagons do too.

Twelve Years Ago… July 26, 1999, our two-day layover ends and we travel past Rock Springs and then onward to camp at Canyon Creek:

Rock Springs was a treasured watering hole for the pioneers as they traveled along dusty old trails…

Of alkali dust, just like these!

That night we camp near an old Homestead at Canyon Creek.

Twelve Years Ago… July 27, 1999, Canyon Creek to the Wine Cup Ranch:

We travel through tawny landscapes…

and vast open spaces…

to camp beneath stunning sunset skies.

Twelve Years Ago… July28, 1999, from Wine Cup Ranch we travel to Wells to camp near the Rodeo Grounds:

North of Wells, Nevada we pass picturesque pastures nestled against snow-capped mountains

and camp once again beneath beautiful sunset skies.

Twelves Years Ago… July 29, 1999, from Wells we head toward the Ruby Mountains to spend our next night in Star Valley, Nevada:

Behold, the Ruby Mountains!

We view an historical marker at Fort Halleck…

and admire the variety of tall prairie grasses.

Twelve Years Ago… July 30, 1999, from Star Valley to Lamoille, our journey continues to lead us through lovely landscapes:

We travel along a lonesome road…

past the little mountain town of Lamoille…

to camp as guests at the Lee Ranch…

where at sunset we learned how the Ruby Mountains got its name.

This evening, we are guests of the Lee Livestock Ranch and are given living quarters in the bunkhouse!  It is lovely here, nestled along the western flank of the Ruby Mountains within Pleasant Valley.  The grasslands and pastures are spring-fed; the grasses are belly-high, and the horses and cattle have big round bellies.  It is a luxury for each of us to sleep in our own bedrooms, take hot showers, and have access to phones and internet too!

We have been in the middle of nowhere far from civilization and have been unable to make contact with our loved ones back home.  Since entering Nevada we have not found a single library with email access.

I learned I am a country girl after all, having not wearied of this lifestyle nor of living outdoors.  For more than 80 days now, we’ve slept in tents for all but seven nights since joining this wagon train.  It’s wonderful watching the landscape change as we travel along.  The Earth is one big Transition Zone of changing environments complete with flora and fauna adapted to the various environmental conditions.  The variety of grasses and wildflowers is amazing… each day is like Christmas as I unwrap a new day and discover again the delights of this beautiful land.

We are all contemplating the eventual reality of re-adjusting to the lives we left behind.  We have only 34 days left to our journey, and it will be hard to say goodbye to friends and beasts alike.  We’ve come a long way together, and have become as family; it will be hard to part.  The entire summer is evaporating and it will be fall before we return, each to our own homes.

Determined not to become bogged down by too many details and activities upon returning home, I’ve learned to appreciate the slower pace of life… and my life is richer because of this experience.  The lesson impressed upon me the most is to enjoy each day and every person fully, mindful of the pain and the wonder and the joy of it all.  This journey is like a microcosm of life itself… a clear and distinct beginning filled with hazards and triumphs along the way, and all one needs most of all is a good sense of humor and true grit to get through it all.  -April L. Whitten, Journal Entry (excerpts).

Today’s blog is long and covers many miles… and I hope you enjoy the journey.  Drop by for a visit for the next installation of Tall Tales along the Trails as we continue our trek across Nevada.  Meanwhile, take care out there, and post your comments for all to see!

Remember, experience Living History for yourself and read…

Are We There Yet? and Lessons Learned Along the Way… eBook for Everyone,  a one-of-kind trail book.  This is a TRUE STORY… an idyll for children-of-all-ages, illustrated with 110 full-page full-color photographs, and now available for a limited time only, for just $10!

Get YOUR copy now!

Happy Trails Always,  Trailslady April

PS: “Are YOU There Yet?”

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Hope all is well with each of you… all is well here too in Wimberley, Texas.  Still enjoying HOT temps, just like the rest of the nation, but then again… it IS summertime!  So no complaining… just enjoy!

Time to return to more Tall Tales along the Trails as we continue our journey through Idaho.  I was so enchanted by the beauty of Idaho that I moved there a few years later!  But then again, that’s another tall tale for perhaps some other time.  So if you’re ready, hop aboard and holler, “Wagons Ho!”

Twelve Years Ago… July 17 – 21, 1999, in keeping with the travail the pioneers experienced along the way, such as broken wagon wheels, wagons that fell apart, etc., we had our fair of troubles too.  On July 17, 1999, three of us endured major vehicle problems; van trouble for the support team, major camper trouble for one of our drivers, and car break-down of my own vehicle (remember a few weeks back when the muffler was knocked off while being shuttled across Sublette Cutoff?).  So as our wagon train continued westward to new locations, we were left behind to handle necessary repairs with the hope of catching up with the wagon train at a later date.

Pocatello, Idaho, was in near proximity to the route of our wagon train, and there we were referred to a Used Car Dealership and Car Repair Shop which just happened to be owned by a relative of our Cook!  My Honda Civic Hatchback was in need of service and repairs, e.g., brakes, muffler, exhaust system, AC, etc., which took four full days to get it back together again.  After all repairs were complete, the owner noted that the low clearance of my vehicle was a contributing factor to its breakdown when driven over rough terrain.  He suggested that I swap it for a Jeep Cherokee which he just happened to have on his lot, since the Jeep had a higher clearance, more room and was suitable for driving over rough terrain.  After thinking about it (for about a half of minute) well, I said “Yes!”  And like the pioneers of old, I left behind the old “wagon” and headed west with a new rig, intent on finding my wagon train mates.

Farewell to Honda Civic… Hello Jeep Cherokee!  Cook’s relative wears red shirt… rumor has it Cook’s daughter still drives my Honda!

Travel alongside the Snake River leads to…

“Home,” Malta, Idaho campsite.  Glad to leave the noise of the city and to be re-united with the peacefulness of our wagon train.

Twelve Years Ago… July 22, 1999, after having spent a peaceful night re-united with our wagon train, we head out next morning from our campsite on the Gardner Ranch in Malto to the City of Rocks National Reserve:

We continue our journey past picturesque old homesteads…

Handsome horses beneath smoke-filled skies…

Along winding roads in the countryside…

To a new campsite in the City of Rocks.

Twelve Years Ago… July 23, 1999, during the evening while sleeping in my tent, I dreamt of horses running wild.   Next morning I learned our mules and horses had indeed escaped their corrals to run wild throughout our camp!  This day we travel from the City of Rocks National Reserve to a campsite at Goose Creek, Idaho.

Sunlight at dawn was blinding as it reflects off the ancient granite outcroppings…

Our journey along Idaho’s trails continue to bring us past pastures filled with sassy horses…

As we follow Wagon Master Ben through wide-open spaces…

And down steep terrain…

During our final day of travel across Idaho.

Our journey through Idaho was of the shortest duration in comparison to travel across the entire lengths of Wyoming and Nebraska.  Since we only traveled across the southeast corner of the state, our journey was just 13 days long, yet the impact of its scenic beauty remains with me still.  Another lesson learned along the way was how sweet the peacefulness and camaraderie of travel by wagon train at four-miles-per-hour had become to all of us.  Like the indigenous flora and fauna through which we traveled, we had adapted to our ever changing environment, as well as to one another, to feel at home no matter how far we roamed.

Come back for more Tall Tales Along the Trails as we leave Idaho and enter the great  state of Nevada!  We still have many more miles and quite a few more adventures ahead of us, so until next time… take care out there!

Remember, experience Living History for yourself when you read…

Are We There Yet? and Lessons Learned Along the Way… eBook for Everyone,  a one-of-kind trail book.
This is a TRUE STORY… an idyll for children-of-all-ages, illustrated with 110 full-page full-color photographs, and now available for a limited time only, for just $10!

Get YOUR copy now!

Happy Trails Always,  Trailslady April

PS: “Are YOU There Yet?”

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I hope you all are enjoying a fun-filled weekend… it’s great here in Wimberley, Texas beneath blue skies filled with sunshine!  We are forecast to receive thunderstorms during the next few days so guess I better get outside and shake my rain stick at the skies!

Time to hit the trail… we are about to leave Wyoming and cross the border into Idaho!  The excitement is high as we enter a new state, so hop aboard and holler, “Wagons Ho!”

Twelve Years Ago… July 11 – 13, 1999, we travel from Cokeville, Wyoming, cross Thomas Ford Creek and arrive in Montpelier, Idaho, where we enjoy a three day and three night layover in Montpelier and participate in the official Grand Opening of the National Oregon/California Trail Center.

We prepare to enter Idaho…

Bid farewell to Wyoming and the Rocky Mountains…

Travel upon historic trails…

Past picturesque old homesteads…

To arrive in Montpelier, established 1864.

We celebrate the opening of the National Oregon/California Trail Center…

Receive a warm Welcome from Miss Shoshone…

Attend historic re-enactments…

And camp in peace…

Alongside our Native American neighbors.

Twelve Years Ago… July 14, 1999, we leave Montpelier and head to Soda Springs.

As we travel, I fall in love with Idaho’s rugged landscape…

Frontier homesteads…

and handsome horses.

Especially impressive is Soda Springs Geyser!

Twelve Years Ago… July 15, 1999, travel is from Soda Springs to Lava Hot Springs to camp at Hawkins Reservoir.

Today we visit Soda Springs Library… it’s been so long since we’ve come across a library that it feels strange to sit in front of a computer!  I am happy to find emails from family and friends waiting to be read.

Idaho is truly lovely, and I sincerely wish this experience could be shared with family, friends and everyone… this is such a great way to spend one’s summer vacation!

We are worn out at the end of each day… this trip requires a great deal of stamina.  Our day begins at 4:30 am when we dress ourselves, break down camp, and store personal belongings in vehicles for transport prior to joining each other for breakfast by 5:45 am.  Walking begins by 6:30 am; I’ve been walking the entire distance so far.  To date, we’ve traveled about 1,200 miles and have only 800 miles to go during the next seven weeks.  What an awesome journey this is!  Usually we arrive in camp by 2 pm and then the work really begins… unhitch the mules, secure the wagons, set up tents, etc.  After all that, I head out to the fields to gather data, photograph, view and test the soils in the trails.  Dinner is served at 6 pm.  After-dinner activities include showers (if available), writing in journals and visiting with one another.  Bedtime for all is between 8:30-9:00 pm.  Our days are full.

How does one express to another… walking across two-thirds of Nebraska, all of Wyoming, over the Continental Divide, and now into Idaho?  “Wow!”  -April L. Whitten, Journal Entry (excerpt).

Soda Springs geothermal features are amazing!

We travel past old homesteads…

And monumental landforms…

To camp beneath a fiery sunset.

Twelve Years Ago… July 16, 1999, we leave our campsite at Hawkins Reservoir and travel to Daniels Reservoir.

As we continue on our journey, we note personal changes taking place… I am quieter and more reflective, my senses are well-tuned and physical stamina greatly increased.  Walking ~20 miles per day is easy, averaging 4.5 mph.  Usually I walk alone, and it was lonely at first, but the solitude brings opportunities to observe and think while traveling from site to site.

Wish there was an easier way to convey what it’s like to walk across Nebraska, Wyoming and now into Idaho.  I’ve been outdoors day and night for so long now that it feels as if I’ve become one with the environment.  I can tell what the temperature and humidity are without consulting instruments, and have become accurate regarding weather predictions.  The variety of grasses is amazing, with five or six species per region, each one well-suited to a particular environmental niche.  And then there are the wildflowers… wild Geraniums and Roses, Indian Paintbrush in colors ranging from yellow to red, Columbine, Prickly Pear, Blue Flax, Lupine in purple, white and yellow.  Big and small Daisies in white or yellow, also tiny pale blue flowers with blossoms smaller than the fingernail on my pinkie, plus flowers that look like popcorn, and wild Buckwheat.  Most of all, how does one describe the scent of crushed sagebrush as our wagon wheels cross the terrain, or the scent of sweet clover mixed with rain?

Together we endured our first wagon train accident while descending Steed Canyon prior to crossing the Green River in Wyoming.  That day we traveled more than 35 miles… our mules, Sally and Kate, were so very weary.  Kate mis-stepped up onto higher ground which caused the wagon to tip over into a gully wash.  Both the driver and I suffered injuries and earned the bruises to prove it too.  That day was a rough one… Wagon Master Ben lost his wallet, one of the transport drivers accidentally knocked the muffler off my car while shuttling vehicles over the rough terrain, and later that evening we were assaulted by carnivorous mosquitoes determined to eat us alive.  Alas, such is the life of a pioneer as we now find ourselves camped in the middle-of-nowhere, Idaho!

But we DO have fun!  As tired as we are by day’s end, we laugh and joke and enjoy each others company.  We have spats and quarrels just like families, and then go out of our way to watch out for one another.  We’ve traveled more than 1,200 miles together, and already we are sad about saying good-bye when our journey comes to it’s end.  -April L. Whitten, Journal Entry (excerpt).

We travel past hay fields dominated by thunderous skies…

View massive geologic uplifts…

And try to avert mule fights in camp tonight.

From Nebraska, across Wyoming and now into Idaho… we traveled a good many miles together, and somewhere along the trails, we bonded to each other and became as family.  Just another lesson learned along the way…

Be sure to come back for more Tall Tales Along the Trails as we travel across Idaho.  Meanwhile, check out the web links posted in the sidebar and make your plans to Hit the Trails during YOUR summer vacation.  It’ll change your life… I promise!

Remember, experience Living History for yourself when you read…

Are We There Yet? and Lessons Learned Along the Way… eBook for Everyone is a one-of-kind trail book.  This is a TRUE STORY… an idyll for “children of all ages,” illustrated with 110 full-page full-color photographs, and available now, for a limited time only, for just $10!

Get YOUR copy now!

Happy Trails Always,  Trailslady April

PS:   “Are YOU There Yet?”

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Hope all is well with each of you; all is well here in Wimberley, Texas, with not much new, even the temperature is 99 degrees again, same as yesterday.  However, yesterday’s blog is new and improved with an Addendum or two added for your reading pleasure.  Check it out; you won’t want to miss out an any of the fun!

Let’s get back to our journey… we have just two days left in Wyoming before crossing over into Idaho.  I had never traveled this far west yet, and am excited about new experiences in new places.  So all aboard?  “Wagons Ho!”

Twelve Years Ago… July 9, 1999, we leave Kemmerer and head west to Emigrant Springs, Wyoming.

We awoke to a frost-filled morning of 28 degrees, and are frozen as we walk about numbly in our winter gear.  We leave our vehicles in camp so everyone loads their personal gear into the wagons.  We had a late start due to the cold so I rode again in Chuck’s wagon.  On the way, we pass an exotic farm of Emu, Llama and Alpacas as we travel through the valley.

The landscape is awesome as we climb from ~ 6,900 ft to ~ 8,100 ft above sea level.  The landscape changes in response to changing environmental conditions, from high plains river valley to groves of Aspens lush with abundant wildflowers.

Today’s journey is just 15 miles and we camp close to Emigrant Springs.  After setting up camp we crash and take naps.  Afterward, I hike to view the old trails and the springs, and saw many bleating sheep.  The shepherd on horseback, along with his sheep dogs, keep the flock in check.  They are quite a team; the sheep are very noisy.

Friends from eastern Wyoming surprise us with a visit and brought dinner for us all as well… so good to see friends made along the way once again!  After dinner I hike with an archaeologist and two BLM persons to explore the region.  We view Schuster Canyon and photograph many wildflowers… so lovely!  Early to bed tonight due to many mosquitoes!  -April L. Whitten, Journal Entry (excerpt).

We pass an exotic farm outside of Kemmerer, Wyoming…

and travel across rugged barren terrain…

past a Basque shepherd as he tends his sheep…

and through Schuster Canyon…

filled with abundant wildflowers…

to camp next to Emigrant Springs.

Twelve Years Ago… July 10, 1999, today is our last day and night in the great state of Wyoming!  We travel from Emigrant Springs to Cokesville, from an elevation of 8,024 ft to 6,109 ft above sea level, to cross some of the most scenic landscape ever seen:

Prior to leaving Emigrant Springs, we view trail ruts across from our campsite.  The ruts are eroded, rocky with little to no vegetation present.  All aboard the wagons, we ride out rather than walk due to sheep everywhere… they are so noisy!  After crossing a high mountain pass about five miles out of camp, we stop to rest the mules; I decide to walk.

Such beautiful land!  I walk through high mountain passes of shale and limestone covered with sagebrush.  About three miles further, the road descends for a short distance to climb steeply again.  I pass a shepherd wagon, crest the mountain and am delighted to find an Aspen Glen filled with many wildflowers… sure wish I had my camera!  Columbine, Wild Rose, Wild Geranium, Indian Point Brush of many colors, Purple Lupine, Honeysuckle, Blue Flax, Big Yellow Daisy and many more varieties in abundance.  Wanting to stay, I move on quickly since the mosquitoes are horrendous.  I pick wildflowers but learn they attract Deer Flies!  Placing sagebrush in my hatband to ward off the insects did not help either; tying a handkerchief around my neck and walking faster was the only solution.

The Aspen Glen led through a short steep descent which gave way to a clearing of vast openness… the land fell away to reveal a very steep descent.  I am thankful to travel by foot rather than in a wagon down that trail.  Again… sure wish I had my camera!  Descending another 500 ft, I enter a canyon along Lost Creek.  The sides are steep, covered with sagebrush and grasses along the right flank.  Thick vegetation grew along the left side of the canyon by the creek bank.  Mosquitoes and deer flies are thick here.  Many tracks of wildlife are visible along this trail, e.g., deer, raccoon and fox, plus wolf, coyote and even mountain lion or bob cat.  After viewing the big cat tracks and steep sided canyon walls, I realize my vulnerability so grab two fist-sized rocks for protection.

Once out of the canyon, wagon train support members came along and provided directions to Cokeville.  “When you come to a fork in the road, left leads to Cokeville via the highway and right leads to Cokeville via mountain passes.”  They relate that the wagon train is on the “Powerline Road” (mountain passes).  Two walkers are one-half mile behind me and the wagon train is one mile behind them.  A short-distance later, I came to the fork in the road and could not believe the steep ascent of the pass, nor the amount of traffic along the highway.  Neither seem like a good choice.

I chose the high road and that made all the difference.  The high road tests my inner strength and physical endurance, both of which are rewarded with unbelievable scenery.  On the other side of the mountain pass, I feel weary and footsore.  A little creek is nearby and seems like a good place to sit for a bit while soaking my feet in its cool waters.  After a bit of time, two young men on bikes pedal past so I inquire if this is the road to Cokeville.  They reply that it is just one-half mile away so I continue to rest and soak my feet.

Soon they return to report that the wagon train is just around the bend.  Wagon Master Ben sent word to me to “come home” now.  The two young men are great and offer to walk with me; we climb over a fence and jump a ditch to arrive in camp after a hike of 21 miles.

Lots of company in our camp this evening to celebrate our last night in Wyoming… our very last day and night in this great state.  -April L. Whitten, Journal Entry (excerpt).

Standing still in the tracks of time at Emigrant Springs.

Here a sheep, there a sheep, everywhere a sheep sheep…

Our last sunset over Wyoming.

Hard to comprehend, but our journey has now carried us across the great states of Nebraska and Wyoming.  Tonight we camp just a stone’s throw away from Idaho and watch the sun set on yet another chapter of our journey.

Speaking of sunsets, it is about to set over the great state of Texas so need to get outside and feed my hungry critters.  See you tomorrow for more Tall Tales along the Trails as we enter unknown territory… the great state of Idaho!

Remember, you too can experience Living History for yourself as you read…

Are We There Yet? and Lessons Learned Along the Way… eBook for Everyone is a one-of-kind trail book.  This is a TRUE STORY… an idyll for children of all ages, illustrated with 110 full-page full-color photographs, and available now, for a limited time only, for just $10!

Get YOUR copy now!

Happy Trails Always,  Trailslady April

PS:   “Are YOU There Yet?”

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I hope this finds each of you well while enjoying your summer daze!  Summertime means HOT here in Wimberley, Texas, with temps reaching into the 100s most days.  Today is nice however with a high of just 99 degrees.  Sunday, rain clouds gathered south of here so I shook my rain stick at the skies, and later that evening we received rain!  Need to get out there and shake that rain stick more often!

So now it’s time to continue on our journey westward… and to recap, we crossed the Continental Divide July 2, 1999 at an elevation of 7,770 ft above sea level, more than 1,000 miles west of the Missouri River.  We rested in Farson, Wyoming for our Fourth of July celebratory layover where we ate ice cream morning, noon and night!  Now we begin to travel across treacherous terrain of alkali soils and steep canyons as we travel along the California Trail.  So if you’re ready to Hit the Trails, hop aboard and holler, “Wagons Ho!”

Twelve Years Ago… July 5, 1999, we leave Farson to travel across the Sublette Flats.  Trees are non-existent with sparse vegetation of just sagebrush for ground cover.

Heading out of Farson, Wyoming, now beyond the Wind River Range.

Look Mom, no trees!  Only sagebrush and alkali soil for as far as the eye can see.

Our campsite, in the middle-of-nowhere, on the Sublette Cutoff.

Twelve Years Ago… July 6, 1999, today we continue to travel along the Sublette Cutoff on our way to the Green River Valley near Names Hill.  The terrain is treacherous through this stretch which provides us all with a hair-raising ride along the way.

The high desert terrain perfectly preserves historic trails as evidenced during dawn’s first light.

Travel is treacherous along this stretch of terrain as we approach Steed Canyon, and we all hop aboard to evenly distribute the weight within each wagon in order to prevent tip-over.

Descent into Steed Canyon… Are We There Yet?

Oops!  As soon as we hit the flats, one of our wheels caught in a rut and our wagon tipped over…

but was quickly righted and put back together again.

Bruised and battered, we are put back together again too, and awarded purple ribbons to commemorate surviving Steeds Canyon.

On the flats once again, we camp near Cottonwood trees alongside the Green River.

Twelve Years Ago… July 7, 1999, none of us slept well during the night due to an invasion of hungry mosquitoes.  So we leave our Green River Valley campsite with haste and travel past Names Hill to camp at Opal Junction, Wyoming.

Addendum: I did not sleep well last night in the wagon… my body is stiff and sore and it hurts to use my left hand.  We are all very tired from yesterday’s 35 mile journey.  Even the mules are lethargic.  Cook fixed pancakes with bacon and ham for breakfast.  Everyone can see how much it hurts to move… Cook gives me an extra measure of orange juice.  I help the driver Chuck with the wagons and mules, and he is so sore too!  We leave late at 7:30 am and head down the highway.

The ride is scenic along the river, but with so many mosquitoes that we lit a citronella candle to battle the bugs.  Even taking massive doses of garlic isn’t working.  We saw seagulls, snow geese, Trumpeter Swans and one Pelican.  The geologic formations are awesome and reveal alternate layers of shale, sandstone and limestone.  The trails parallel the road along Hwy 189.  We pass Names Hill where Jim Bridger signed his name.  Beyond the dam, the landscape transitioned from trees and grass to scrub and sagebrush.  Today we saw many more people than we had in the past few days.  We have become accustomed to seeing so much open land.

The driver and I were sleepy as we drove along and so were the mules as they wandered all over the road.  One of the other drivers Carl fell asleep “at the reins” and crossed into the next lane!

Dinner of fried chicken, potatoes, and pasta salad with peach cobbler… yumm!  Kay from NPS gave me a Trail pin; we celebrate the birthdays of two of our wagon train mates.  My kids call and learn of our mis-adventures.  I realize I miss my kids, home, dogs… my life.  This is an awesome journey, yet it is a lonely one too.  I am learning much about myself, during this journey of introspection.

Now I lay in my sleeping bag on my belly as I write this entry, and watch the night sky… so lovely!  -April L. Whitten, Journal Entry (excerpt).

Names Hill carries the same significance as Register Cliff and Independence Rock as a site where pioneers carved their names and messages into the sandstone cliffs.

Weary from yesterday’s journey, we travel at a slower pace through the Green River Valley…

beyond Fontenelle Reservoir…

to camp beneath a rainbow at Opal Junction, Wyoming.

Twelve Years Ago… July 8, 1999, today we travel from Opal Junction to Kemmerer.  Our elevation climbs a bit from 6,303 ft to 6,617 ft above sea level as we enter sheep grazing country.

Addendum: Today we leave the site just east of Opal Junction and travel from sagebrush country into the Kemmerer River Valley, lush with trees and various grasses.  The journey by wagon train is long as we came by way of highway under construction.  I ride again today since my knees are swollen, black and blue.  Still stiff and sore but feeling better; Chuck too.

The driver has a stash of homemade chocolate chip cookies on board which we enjoy during our morning drive.  When Wagon Master Ben heard the word “cookie,” he made a beeline charge on his horse, glazed look in his eyes with his hand outstretched seeking a cookie.

Visitors to camp joined us for dinner this evening… nice people.  We share news and care for one another, all of us friends.  Tonight my tent is pitched amidst a group of Willow trees on top of thick grasses.  -April L. Whitten, Journal Entry (excerpt).

This artifact is a giant snow fence in place to protect against Wyoming-sized snow drifts…

and that’s not snow in the valley, but sheep grazing away…

while a Basque shepherd tends to his flock by horseback along with his faithful dog.

Our campsite in Kemmerer, Wyoming.

Everything is different now that we are on the western side of the Divide… the water flows toward the west, the land is dryer with sparse dwarfed vegetation as it struggles to grow in the poor alkali soils.  We transition from wind-swept cattle country and cowboys to dry range sheep country and shepherds.  So much to take in and so many more lessons to be learned as we travel along the way… just like life itself as we adjust to whatever new experiences come our way.

Well, pioneers, it’s time to hit “publish” and feed my horses… they’re lined up at the barn door trusting I’ll be there soon.  So come back tomorrow to read about more adventures as we leave Wyoming and enter Idaho!  And if you’re itching to go on ahead of us,

Remember, you too can experience Living History for yourself as you read…

Are We There Yet? and Lessons Learned Along the Way… eBook for Everyone is a one-of-kind trail book.  This story for children of all ages, with 110 full-page full-color photographs, is available now for a limited time only, at just $10 per download! Get YOUR copy now!

Happy Trails Always,  Trailslady April

PS:   “Are YOU There Yet?”

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Happy Independence Day! The Fourth of July… it just doesn’t get much more American that that!  So as we celebrate Freedom, our Rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, let us also celebrate our Western Heritage!

In Wimberley, Texas, we did just that… complete with Rodeo, Parades and Barbeques.  Even though fireworks were banned due to dryness and danger of wildfire, our celebrations carried on with great spirit and pride!  We’re Proud to be Americans…

Now for more Tall Tales Along the Trails as we continue westward on Ben Kern’s California Trail Wagon Train. We just crossed the Continental Divide at South Pass, Wyoming, and pulled into Farson, Wyoming, for a Fourth of July layover.  Come along, and join our homespun fun!

Twelve Years Ago… July 4, 1999, we enjoyed a patriotic layover in Farson, Wyoming, and took a much needed rest.  Farson is home to one lone Cottonwood tree which we all camped beneath, and one store which served ice cream! Now, none of us have tasted ice cream since leaving home, more than two months ago!  So this day we celebrated the Fourth of July by eating ice cream for Breakfast, Lunch and Supper, plus a bedtime snack for good measure!

Layover Day, we camp beneath the one and only Cottonwood tree at Farson, Wyoming

We celebrate Independence Day at dusk, played on fiddles, danced, laughed, ate ice cream, and told tall tales along the trails

We partied until sundown and then headed to bed for rest before tomorrow’s journey across the Sublette Cutoff, one of the most treacherous “short-cuts” on the trail.  Come back for more to see for yourself!

Meanwhile, take care out there, and follow your American Dream no matter how far you must roam. That’s the Pioneering Spirit… we did, and it changed our lives!

Remember, experience Living History for yourself as you read…

Are We There Yet? and Lessons Learned Along the Way… eBook for Everyone, a one-of-kind trail book.  A story for children of all ages with 110 full-page full-color photographs, now available for a limited time only, at just $10 per download! Get YOUR copy now!

Happy Trails Always,  Trailslady April

PS:  “Are YOU There Yet?”

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I hope each of you are enjoying a wholesome Fourth of July weekend!  Lots of happenings here in Wimberley, Texas, as we celebrate Independence Day Texas-style, complete with a Rodeo, parade and Market Days!  But we’ll talk more about the Fourth tomorrow.  For now, let’s Hit the Trail and continue our journey westward because our wagon train is just about to cross over the Continental Divide.  All aboard?  Wagons Ho!

Twelve Years Ago… July 1, 1999, we leave our campsite at Silver Springs Junction and travel to Atlantic City, Wyoming.  Elevation increases from 6,627 ft to 7,178 ft as does the strength of the wind coming off Wind River Range:

We travel across the wind-swept highlands plateau, of rocky soil  with sparse vegetation

The Wind River Range dominates the landscape

Rock Creek Hollow, site of the Willie Handcart Company Memorial and mass grave site of Mormon pioneers whom lost their lives here due to an early winter storm, late October 1856.  Seventy-seven of the 404 members of the Willie Handcart Company died before help arrived from Utah.

Now off road and following the old trail, we cross the Sweetwater Valley

Twelve Years Ago… July 2, 1999, Atlantic City to Pacific Springs.  We endured a harsh evening last night at our Atlantic City campsite.  Food was scarce with not enough for all.  I suffered from high altitude sickness and slept in a horse trailer due to the cold and extremely high winds.  Nonetheless, excitement is high come morning as we prepare to cross the Continental Divide at South Pass, Wyoming:

Portrait with Wind River Range in background, wearing everything I own for protection against the wind.  Look, Mom… no trees!

Fragile yet tough, flowering vegetation survives the harsh environment of South Pass

Overland Trails etched in stone… and rocky soils

Nature Photographer Tom Mangelsen surprised us with a visit to photograph this epic moment of our journey

1999 California Trail Wagon Train, South Pass, Wyoming

And so we cross the Continental Divide

South Pass, 7,770 ft above sea level, and more than 1,000 miles beyond the Missouri River

Twelve Years Ago… July 3, 1999, today we travel from our campsite on the other side of the Divide to Farson, Wyoming.  The changes to landscape, weather and wind are dramatic as we descend from 7,411 ft in camp to 6,750 ft above sea level in Farson:

We descend in elevation…

to Parting of the Ways.  It was here that the Overland Trails diverged to lead pioneers westward either to Oregon or to California or Utah, and where many loved ones and friends parted ways perhaps to never see one another again

We travel along the California Trail…

Through the middle-of-nowhere past sandstone bluffs…

To Farson, Wyoming, home to one lone Cottonwood Tree

These three days were monumental in regards to our journey from East to West to cross the Continental Divide.  Crossing the Divide to us was a major milestone, akin to Neil Armstrong’s “That’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.”  Remember how you feel whenever you accomplish something so huge which you have no clue as to how you will do so?  Well, that’s how we felt… and we did it.  We became pioneers, a traveling community… a family, that worked together, stayed together, bonded to each other, and cared for one another, for the good of us all.  We did it.

And just as each new day along the way brought new ways to be learned… one lesson learned was our need for Layover Day, which we are about to enjoy tomorrow.  So come on back and celebrate the Fourth with us, for more Tall Tales Along the Trails! And meanwhile,

Remember…

Are We There Yet? and Lessons Learned Along the Way… eBook for Everyone is a one-of-kind trail book.  A story for children of all ages with 110 full-page full-color photographs, is now available, for a limited time only, at just $10 per download! Get YOUR copy now!

Happy Trails Always,  Trailslady April

PS:  “Are YOU There Yet?”

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Welcome back to my blog!  I hope each of you are enjoying your summer daze having fun in the sun… it’s been great here so far in Wimberley, Texas.  Must be acclimated to the heat now that 97 degrees actually feels right nice, can you imagine that?

When last we recalled travel along the trails, we were beyond Independence Rock and heading toward the Continental Divide.  Our elevation continues to increase during these next three days from 6,322 ft to 6,627 ft above sea level.  Weather is cold and windy; we wear many layers to keep warm.  So if you’re ready to Hit the Trail, hop aboard and holler, “Wagons Ho!”

Twelve Years Ago… June 28, 1999, we travel from Split Rock to Jeffrey City, Wyoming.  The campsite at Jeffrey City is thick with mosquitoes:

The landscape is high and dry, we follow trails etched in sand dunes

Trail Marker proves the way

Our weary mules rest at dusk, Jeffrey City Campsite

Twelve Years Ago… June 29, 1999, we leave Jeffrey City campsite and head southwest to Sweetwater Station.  Elevation continues to increase and the weather remains cool and windy with strong winds out of the northwest:

Wild horses challenge our wagon train

Wild Mustang stallion challenges our Wagon Master

Confrontation over, we continue westward following original trails

Twelve Years Ago… June 30, 1999, from Sweetwater Station to Silver Springs Junction, Wyoming, we are at 6,627 ft above sea level.  Tonight is very cold and windy with gusts out of the northwest:

Following trail across open range, we now are challenged by cattle

High dry environment of Wyoming perfectly preserves Overland Trails

Snow capped Wind River Range dominates the landscape

Sunset at Silver Springs Junction campsite, our wagons brace against the strong cold winds

As we continued on this portion of the journey, the landscape changed in response to the environmental conditions.  Vegetation grew low to the ground, trees were replaced by lichen and moss, along with a few sturdy wildflowers.  The ever-present wind beat flora and fauna alike, and we were chilled and weary by the end of each day.  When I was a child, I wondered where the wind came from.  Now I know it, comes out of the Wind River Range… just another lesson learned along the way.

Time to hit “publish” and feed my horses… I see them lined up at the barn door so must be supper time!  You know the old saying of “hungry as a horse,” it’s true, of course!  Enjoy your evening and come back for more Tall Tales along the Trails… we’re about to cross the Continental Divide and you’ll want to be there, I promise!

And Remember…

Are We There Yet? and Lessons Learned Along the Way… eBook for Everyone is a one-of-kind trail book.  A story for children of all ages with 110 full-page full-color photographs, is now available, for a limited time only, at just $10 per download! Get YOUR copy now!

Happy Trails Always,  Trailslady April

PS:  “Are YOU There Yet?”

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Now, let us continue our Tall Tales Along the Trails as we arrive at Independence Rock… a monumental landmark for the Pioneers as well as for our own wagon train.

June 25, 1999… Layover at Independence Rock.  The granite dome is impressive, not only in size but in its significance regarding the history of travel along the Overland Trails.  When the pioneers took a break from their westward journey, many climbed upon the rock to chisel their names and messages into the granite for those that followed.  We spent this day viewing names and messages engraved more than 160 years ago while feeling so much a part of history, as we continued our own historic re-enactment for the filming crew:

Independence Rock campsite

View of Sweetwater River from atop Independence Rock

My Heroes have always been Cowboys

Filming Complete: Our Historic Family Portrait

June 26, 1999… this morning we said Farewell to those whom joined us during the filming, packed up our gear, and continued southwest to follow the Sweetwater River toward Devil’s Gate and Martin’s Cove:

Sweetwater Valley beyond Independence Rock

Devil’s Gate, a rocky cleft carved by the Sweetwater River

In 1856, hundreds of Mormon Pioneers died at Martin’s Cove due to an early snow storm

June 27, 1999… The “Boys from Cheyenne” join us for a portion of our journey as we travel from Devil’s Gate to Split Rock, another famous landmark along the Overland Trails.  We are now at 6,424 ft above sea level:

Boys from Cheyenne

We cross wide open spaces on the way to

Split Rock in the Rattlesnake Range

Steadily we climb higher in elevation as we cross rugged terrain and use landmarks to “slingshot” ourselves forward along the trails.  Soon we will cross the Continental Divide, and wonder how we will do so.  Each day brings new experiences, new challenges, and new lessons learned… all of which enrich our lives.

Are YOU ready yet… to enrich your life and Hit the Trails this summer in search of adventure and gold?  Rather than just read about History… you can live it, experience it, yourself!  Use this blog as your guide, and check out the Sidebar Links to some of the best Trail Centers and Historic Sites in Nebraska and Wyoming.  Your summer vacation is all ready, and waiting, for you!

Why visit our historic trails?  Because the story of Westward Emigration is your Story, your History, and your Heritage!

And, because of the more than 5,000 miles of original trail, less than 100 miles remain intact today… so, if not NOW, then when?

Go experience Your Living History this summer… it will enrich your life, I promise!

And Remember…

Are We There Yet? and Lessons Learned Along the Way… eBook for Everyone is a one-of-kind trail book.  A story for children of all ages with 110 full-page full-color photographs, is now available, for a limited time only, at just $10 per download! Get YOUR copy now!

Happy Trails Always,  Trailslady April

PS:  “Are YOU There Yet?”

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Summer time!  Now that we’ve celebrated the Summer Solstice here in North America, it’s high time to enjoy the lazy daze of summer… I hope each of you are well on your way to doing just that!

And speaking of Solstices, our friends “Down-Under” are experiencing the beginning of their Winter Season.  My far-away friend Tom Lovett of Mount Victoria, Australia, writes that the weather is very cold… the coldest its been in decades… and their Winter Solstice brought the first snow fall of the season!  Think snow, which of course is tempting to contemplate, while we experience summer temperatures of 100+ degrees!

Now, back to more Tall Tales along the Trails as we continue westward on Ben Kern’s 1999 California Trail Wagon Train. As promised, more photos than prose are posted…  so all aboard?  Wagons Ho!!

Twelve Years Ago… June 21-24, 1999, we arrive in Casper, Wyoming on June 20th to camp in Evansville near the Reshaw Ruts (see previous blog post for more information).  While in Evansville we explore wagon train ruts of long ago, attend ground breaking ceremonies for the BLM’s future National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC), and celebrate the Summer Solstice.

June 21, 1999… Layover Day in Evansville, Wyoming:

Our campsite alongside the Reshaw Ruts

Excellent example of well-preserved ruts

Ground-breaking ceremony for NHTIC

We celebrate Summer Solstice 1999

June 22, 1999… we leave Evansville, Wyoming, turn away from the North Platte River, travel across barren landscapes to Avenue of Rock, and camp in the Middle-of-Nowhere:

Farewell, North Platte River!

Hmmm, turn right or left at the big rock?

Approaching Avenue of Rock

Wagon ruts etched in limestone

Camp Middle-of-Nowhere

June 23, 1999… we travel from Avenue of Rock to Willow Springs where we participate in the filming of a pioneer re-enactment created for use in the multi-media presentation Footsteps to the West (now shown daily at the NHTIC, Casper, Wyoming… go see!)

Dusk at Willow Springs Campsite

Film crew at sunset

We re-enact while Mitch steals the scene!

June 24, 1999… We follow the Sweetwater River westward from Willow Springs to the Pathfinder Ranch, to camp near Independence Rock:

Travel by Wagon Train alongside old trails

Old trails follow the Sweetwater River

Pathfinder Ranch

Transitions… during the four days noted in this post, we transitioned from Spring to Summer, from Civilization to Middle-of-Nowhere, and from High Plain Prairies to Alkali Flats.  Still climbing, our elevation also increased from 5,115 ft to 5,894 ft above sea level.  My heart felt a pang when we turned our backs on the North Platte River, as that severed my last link to home in Nebraska.  But nonetheless, westward we pressed, as did the pioneers of old so long ago.

To be continued, next post will be Independence Rock and Beyond! See you in a bit… meanwhile,

Remember…

Are We There Yet? and Lessons Learned Along the Way… eBook for Everyone is a one-of-kind trail book.  A story for children of all ages with 110 full-page full-color photographs, is now available, for a limited time only, at just $10 per download! Get YOUR copy now!

Happy Trails Always,  Trailslady April

P.S.  Still seeking Summer Vacation ideas?  Hit the Trails!!

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